Brands Hatch season begins with triple bike bill

BIKE fans will have plenty to celebrate next month as the Brands Hatch racing season kick-starts with three successive weekends of two-wheeled action on the track.

A wide variety of machinery will take to the north Kent circuit during March, with races for bikes of all sizes and ages.

Getting the season off to a flying start on March 9 and 10 will be the Thundersport GB club, one of the country’s fastest growing organisers.

The two-day programme features their powerful Thundersport GP1 category for large capacity machines, with no limits on tuning or tyres, as well as contests for road bikes, junior riders and Golden Era Superbikes from the last century.

The intensely close action which characterises bike racing provides plenty of excitement to banish the winter blues for many fans.

Indeed, many will be anticipating the first sight of a packed field of competitors threading their way through Paddock Hill bend.

The following weekend (March 16 and 17) the NG Road Racing club will run a huge range of categories from 125cc bikes up to 1000cc and beyond.

In addition to road bikes, there are classes for GP machinery too.

The club has provided a proving ground for many famous riders, including Neil Tuxworth, Roger Burnett and Steve Parrish.

Concluding the trio of events will be the Classic Racing Motorcycle Club’s visit on the weekend of March 23 and 24.

For more than 30 years the club has provided a haven for competitive riders of bikes manufactured between 1945 and 1972.

The packed programme will cover various classes of engine size and type, culminating in their Classic King of Brands Race to determine the best rider.

In addition to providing sensational thrills, club bike racing is a hugely accessible sport, with many star riders taking part in their first events at this level.

The future hero-spotting isn’t just confined to the track, as an open paddock policy ensures that spectators can chat to the riders as they prepare for battle as well as the opportunity to see the machinery at close quarters.

Tickets to all three events can be booked from just £10 in advance, with free entry for children aged 12 and under.